Patient-Based Council

Gastrointestinal Cancers Council

In digestive system cancers the most critical question is often whether surgery is feasible. Our council makes that decision together with surgery, oncology and radiology.

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About the disease

Gastrointestinal cancers form a broad group covering the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, biliary tract and colorectal region. Each behaves differently and requires a different treatment strategy.

Assessing resectability (whether the tumor can be completely removed surgically) is decisive in this group. In borderline resectable cases, preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy can improve the chance of surgery.

Molecular markers (MSI/dMMR, HER2, RAS, BRAF) directly influence targeted therapy and immunotherapy decisions. In liver metastases, metastasectomy and local treatments are evaluated separately.

Which specialties evaluate it?

In this council your case is reviewed jointly by the disciplines below.

General Surgery / Surgical Oncology
Medical Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Gastroenterology
Radiology
Interventional Radiology
Pathology
Nuclear Medicine
Nutrition

Files requested from the patient

Pathology report and molecular test results (MSI/dMMR, HER2, RAS, BRAF)
CT, MRI and PET/CT images and reports
Endoscopy / colonoscopy report and images
Tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9, etc.)
Discharge summary and details of chemotherapy cycles received
Liver function tests and nutritional status information

Clinical questions answered

Can my tumor be completely removed with surgery?
Should I receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery?
Is there a treatment option for my liver metastases?
Do my molecular test results make me eligible for targeted therapy?
Is immunotherapy an option for me?
How will nutritional support and a possible stoma affect the process?

Scope of the council report

Written opinion confirming the case was reviewed by a multidisciplinary council
Council confirmation of the diagnosis, stage and risk group
Recommended treatment options and the reasoning behind them
Alignment with current guidelines (ESMO / NCCN) and a level-of-evidence note
Comparison of alternative options and their expected side-effect profiles
Recommendations for any additional tests or consultations
Potentially suitable clinical trial options

Scope of the second opinion

Independent review of the current diagnosis and staging
Re-evaluation of pathology and imaging findings
Confirmation that the ongoing or planned treatment is appropriate
Comparative presentation of alternative treatment approaches
Clarification of unanswered clinical questions
Assessment of how well the decision fits the patient’s priorities and quality-of-life goals